Coburg’s inaugural women’s team accepted into a local footy league

VFL club Coburg’s inaugural women’s team has been accepted into a local league for the 2021 season, which the Lions believe is best for it and its players’ development.

Coburg’s women’s team will start life in the AFL South East.

Coburg’s inaugural women’s team will start life in the South Eastern Women’s Football competition.

The Lions are looking to follow a similar path to Port Melbourne, who will step up to the VFL Women’s competition in 2021.

The SEWF had three divisions in 2019 but Coburg will slot straight into Division 1 next year, replacing the Borough.

It’s a surprise choice given the club is based in Essendon District heartland and also close to the Northern Football League.

However, coach Liam Cavanagh said it was a “no-brainer”.

Murrumbeena and Seaford clash in the South Eastern Women’s. Picture: Chris Eastman

“We’re really stoked, talking to them about the competition and the clubs that are in there – really strong clubs – and given the path that we’re taking, it was a no-brainer to go to them,” he said.

“It’s great to have a prospective start date and information for the players.

Cavanagh said the club has had strong interest from prospective players.

Coburg has already made two signings for 2021 with Maddie Edwards crossing from Richmond’s VFLW program and Mia Muscat signing on from Essendon Doutta Stars.

“We really appreciate the interest we’ve had from the girls and the lack of information we’ve been able to give them,” he said.

“So it’s awesome to now say we’re going to be in the AFL South East and be able to talk about the opportunity for us.

“We’ve been really careful and slow with the selection process because we’ve had a massive amount of interest and we want to get really good people in.”

The AFL South East’s top tier is expected to include teams from St Kilda, Seaford, Cranbourne, Wheelers Hill, Mornington and Tyabb.

With the goal of entering the VFLW in the coming years, Cavanagh said the travel would help fast-track the club’s development and player bonding.

LIONS: COBURG LAUNCHES INAUGURAL WOMEN’S TEAM

LEADER: GET YOUR LOCAL FOOTY NEWS HERE

VFL: EX-TIGER, SUN ELLIS SET FOR COBURG MOVE

“It just makes sense to do it because you’d rather have these things set up now for when you do become a VFLW side,” he said.

“We want to iron out as many challenges as we can in our developmental years before we get to the big leagues so to speak.

“Our biggest disadvantage for the first 12 months is how much time we’ve spent together compared to every other teams.

“If we’ve got bus trips together up and down every second week it’s not necessarily a bad thing because we can get to know each other quicker than if we drove five minutes down the road separately.”